CHICAGO -- Michigan was expected to face a major quarterback question this fall, after the departure of Denard Robinson. And it does.

It's just not the one many expected.

While the original assumption was Michigan would be seeking Robinson's successor this fall camp, it's biggest issue now is who will back up Devin Gardner. The junior was just that good last season after Robinson suffered a nerve injury, and the options behind him are just that unknown.

But coach Brady Hoke said Wednesday he's hopeful true freshman Shane Morris will emerge as a viable option. He arrived at Michigan before most other freshman, reporting May 21, and has jumpstarted his career by repping with Gardner.

"(Morris) came to campus a little bit earlier than some of the guys," Hoke said during a breakout session during Big Ten media days at the Chicago Hilton. "From what I know, he's had a good summer to this point. I think he's done a nice job learning. I think Devin's done a nice job with him. I think (fellow QB candidate) Brian Cleary's done a nice job with him.

"He'll be in good shape coming into fall camp."

Gardner had major success during his five-game rip through the end of last season -- to the tune of 1,219 passing yards and 18 touchdowns overall. That cemented his place not only as Michigan's starter in 2013, but among the Big Ten's best quarterbacks.

Depth behind him, though, is tenuous after backup Russell Bellomy suffered a season-ending ACL injury during spring camp. That means the only scholarship player behind Gardner is the true freshman Morris, who figures to eventually overtake walk-ons Cleary and Alex Swieca for the No. 2 job.

Coaches are not allowed to work with players during the summer, so it has been on Gardner to work with the freshman. He's taken that task seriously, knowing just how valuable a quality backup can be.

"We've just been throwing," Gardner said. "We're doing seven-on-seven right now, and that's it. It's all a little dialed down right now, obviously, because he doesn't know as much. But I help him as much as I can in seven-on-seven.

"When we start camp, he'll get a full dose of everything. So he'll be fine.'

Morris is a big-armed southpaw who starred at Warren De La Salle. He had an up-and-down senior season, which included a bout with mononucleosis, but still is considered the country's No. 3 incoming quarterback according to Scout and No. 4 according to Rivals.

Gardner said he hasn't talked much about the playbook with Morris because "he's got a lot of pressure to do a lot of things already." That will come in fall camp.

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They also haven't worked much with run-game responsibilities, although Morris has met with coordinator Al Borges for that.

Instead, Gardner mostly has worked with Morris on simple route trees and throwing mechanics. He acknowledges the freshman has a lot to learn, but added his raw arm talent is undeniable.

And yet, Gardner says class won't really be in session until Morris lets a rip against a live defense.

"It's easy to throw in seven-on-seven and things like that," Gardner said. "When the bullets start flying, that's when I'll be able to help him even more. You got a D-line coming to get you, 300-pounders, that's when you're able to help him."